Young meat

B

BikePike

New Member
Hey everyone, I'm Lewis from Cardiff, South Wales (UK). I'm pretty young, 18 in 2 months time.

I want to build a cafe racer perfect for me, a slight bit modern, but nothing tacky like most customs people would label as 'modern'

Only problem is as a student my budget is very very low. I'm looking at about £450 for a running engine.

I'm also a bit fussy with power, I want something with ideally 80bhp, but of course that's far too optimistic. I was hoping to pick up a CB750, XS850, BMW R100 or Zephyr 750 or GS850. But even most of them don't go that low.

I think it might be best if I buy a rolling chassis and put a modern engine in, but I don't know what chassis' and engine would retrofit. Does anyone have any tips or ideas?
 
Should add my biggest inspiration is this bike, I just love the sounds..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhf_79B_Lig
 
locO leoN said:
welcome...

For that budget, you should consider this kind of engine:

Click to expand...

Or perhaps
DSC08924.jpg
 
LOL!.. Now you get the idea!!.

Just put some clip-ons and some fork gators and you'll be good to go!
At least you'll have something different!
 
Don't listen to Leon. He's a grumpy old fart. ;)

Honestly though, for the money you've got... A running bike will be a tough buy. And 80hp? For a first machine? Make sure to post your parents address here so we can send flowers for the funeral. Not to mention that none of those bikes you mentioned have 80hp from the factory.

Now... I've been a big enough ass.

Maybe look for a nice 250. Something cheap and relatively simple to learn to ride and wrench on. Build a fun and quick (there's a huge difference between quick, and fast) bike. Learn the fundamentals of mechanics. Learn about suspension and chassis work. Learn about carbs, and exhaust. About what works, ehat doesn't and why. Then... When you're skills on the bike and in the garage grow... Go ahead an buy the big kid toys.
 
VonYinzer said:
Don't listen to Leon. He's a grumpy old fart. ;)

Honestly though, for the money you've got... A running bike will be a tough buy. And 80hp? For a first machine? Make sure to post your parents address here so we can send flowers for the funeral. Not to mention that none of those bikes you mentioned have 80hp from the factory.

Now... I've been a big enough ass.

Maybe look for a nice 250. Something cheap and relatively simple to learn to ride and wrench on. Build a fun and quick (there's a huge difference between quick, and fast) bike. Learn the fundamentals of mechanics. Learn about suspension and chassis work. Learn about carbs, and exhaust. About what works, ehat doesn't and why. Then... When you're skills on the bike and in the garage grow... Go ahead an buy the big kid toys.
Click to expand...

Not my first bike, and I have ridden quite a few big bikes (Biggest being a tuned Bandit 1200 with 125RWHP) I wasn't expecting to get quite 80, but that's just what I think is ideal.

I know some mechanics, I've helped with a top end rebuild before, and done the odd bits on my current GPZ500. I am doing a Level 2 Mechanics course in September too. I do have an interest in exhaust systems and enjoy reading up about scavenging and such, I'm going to learn to weld in the summer and perhaps make some custom exhausts (Though I'll skip the headers)

I think I might be able to pick up a XJ 750 in my price range.
 
Damn, I worded that badly..

I'm not like many people my age, I actually feel like a grumpy old man.

I'm not saying I'm not liable to a bit of "fun" but I don't ride like an idiot. (I just did BikeSafe and got B's and A's, said I could pass a RoSPA at my current standard, though I assume he mean't at the bronze level.)
 
Forget about modern engines in old chassis unless you have a bottomless pit of cash and time and have done a few already. The most effective way to stretch your budget is to start with a bike that needs the least amount of work and cash right now. One that you can upgrade slowly as resources become more plentiful.

80HP is more than you will ever "need" on the street at this stage. I'd try to find a bike that needs no work and is completely safe and has a current MOT etc.

I joke that project bikes are like buying a bike on "the drip" - installments, but in reality they cost more and take way too long before you can ride them.

Something like say a Honda V twin might work and could be upgraded later or maybe a GB500 single or even an XR500/650 that could be turned into something interesting with a little thought and a lot of work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light

    • Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom